FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template
Former England star Chris Waddle insisted Wednesday that Paul Gascoigne will be England’s most dangerous player in the World Cup finals, despite fears about the midfielder’s fitness and lifestyle.
Waddle said that the maverick Middlesbrough player should not be dropped from the squad ahead of the tournament in France despite recent reports of late-night drinking sessions.
Waddle said: “If he stays fit I still think he is our best creative player and he knows how to control the game.” The main thing is that we don’t have anybody who can control the game pace-wise. He can make the game go slow or quick. ” When he is not playing I tend to think we look one-paced. We’ve got a lot of talent, but the man who dictates the play is hard to find. “He has got to be on a free rein and go out and express himself. He’ll do that naturally.”
Waddle believes that England coach Glenn Hoddle is using psychological tactics to get the best out of Gascoigne ahead of the World Cup. Hoddle has issued a final warning to Gascoigne over recent drinking and dietary habits but former teammate Waddle claims the national coach is fully aware of how important the maverick midfielder is. “Glenn knows that Paul can dictate a game of football for him,” Waddle said. “These players are hard to find.” Glenn knows he’s just coming up to 31 and this may be his last World Cup. He is still in his prime and is still in good condition. People will say he’s had his best days, but time will tell on that. ” He has obviously got to put laws down and make the lad think. “He is putting statements and advice out to Gazza to make sure he goes to France giving himself the best possible chance of being as he fit as he can be and, hopefully, being one of the best players in the tournament.”
Waddle also defended Gascoigne over criticism of his lifestyle which recently has focused on drinking, smoking and kebab-eating. “What people don’t realise is that he’s a fit guy naturally,” Waddle said. “He might look like he has put a little weight on but he gets rid of it. He watches what he eats-he’s not a big eater.” Okay, he had a few beers last week but nothing that anybody hasn’t had in the past. He works hard.
“But at the end of the day, he had a kebab and everybody said what sort of preparation is this? “It was quite far-fetched. If it was another player it wouldn’t be a problem. You’re not telling me the Arsenal players didn’t have a drink after the Cup Final. “All players go out and have a drink when they’re on holiday. They’ve finished the season and it’s been hard for many of them.”